Caption Writing

The Most-Read Copy in the Yearbook

by Lori Oglesbee

Pre-writing Start with an excellent, story-telling,

action/reaction photograph.

Pre-writing Start with an excellent, story-telling,

action/reaction photograph. Talk to the photographer. (He/She was

there.)

Pre-writing Start with an excellent, story-telling,

action/reaction photograph. Talk to the photographer. (He/She was

there.) Interview people in the photograph and

others who were there.

Pre-writing Start with an excellent, story-telling,

action/reaction photograph. Talk to the photographer. (He/She was

there.) Interview people in the photograph and

others who were there. Gather the correct spellings of names.

Parts of a Caption Caption headline: usually clever tie-in to

the photograph.

Parts of a Caption Caption headline: usually clever tie-in to

the photograph. Sentence 1: Names all visible people and

details the action/reaction and is written in present tense.

Parts of a Caption Caption headline: usually clever tie-in to the

photograph. Sentence 1: Names all visible people and details

the action/reaction and is written in present tense.

Sentence 2: Gives needed information that is not obvious in the photograph and is written in past tense.

Parts of a Caption Caption headline: usually clever tie-in to the

photograph. Sentence 1: Names all visible people and details

the action/reaction and is written in present tense.

Sentence 2: Gives needed information that is not obvious in the photograph and is written in past tense.

Sentence 3: Meaningful quote.

Caption Example Sister Act: After hearing her name

announced as a member of the homecoming court, Christa Washington collapses into her best friend, Robin Elliot’s arms on the gym floor.

Caption Example Sister Act: After hearing her name

announced as the last member of the homecoming court, Christa Washington collapses into her best friend Robin Elliot’s arms on the gym floor. All five of Christa’s older sisters had been named to the homecoming court and had planned to attend the event.

Caption Example Sister Act: After hearing her name announced

as the last member of the homecoming court, Christa Washington collapses into her best friend Robin Elliot’s arms on the gym floor. All five of Christa’s older sisters had been named to the homecoming court and had planned to attend the event. “I felt so much pressure,” Christa said. “I didn’t want to let my family down.”

What questions does this photo beg to have answered?

Who: Geoff AndertonWhat: represents the senior class at the Hillcrest pep rallyWhen: Friday, Sept. 5Where: gymWhy: Geoff claims to be the ghost of seniors past to carry on the tradition of seniors’ winning the spirit stickExtra: became so popular that he was asked to join the cheerleaders on the court by the end of the season.

Senior Spirit: At the Hillcrest pep rally,Geoff Anderton starts his run as the ghost of seniors past. Geoff wore the regalia to remind the Class of 2003 that it was their responsibility to win the spirit stick. “This started out as a joke, then I could work the crowd into a frenzy and win the stick,” Geoff said. “Before I knew it, I was on the floor with the cheerleaders.”

Sports Captions Add the result of the

play and game/match

Sports Captions Add the result of the

play and game/match Name players from

both teams.

Sports Captions Add the result of the

play and game/match Name players from

both teams. Use stats for the

second sentence.